George Agbazika Innih

George Agbazika Innih
Governor, Bendel State, Nigeria
In office
August 2, 1975 – March 1976
Preceded by Samuel Ogbemudia
Succeeded by Husaini Abdullahi
Governor, Kwara State, Nigeria
In office
1976–1978
Preceded by Ibrahim Taiwo
Succeeded by Sunday Ifere
Personal details
Born 1938
Died 2002
Nationality Nigerian

George Agbazika Innih (1938–2002) was a Nigerian Army General and Statesman. He was the Military Governor of Bendel and Kwara States.[1]

Contents

Early years

George Agbazika Innih was born on September 25, 1938 at Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area (LGA) of Edo State. He was educated at catholic school, Akure, the Government school in Warri, the Holy cross catholic school in Benin City and Edo College, Benin City.[2]

Military career

He joined the army, and was trained at Mons Officer Cadet School in Aldershot, England (1962), then at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, England (1962–1964) and 1972. He was appointed Platoon Commander, 4th Infantry Battalion, Ibadan (1964–65), Deputy Military Secretary, Supreme Headquarters, Lagos, Colonel General Staff 3rd Marine Commando (1968–69) and Brigade Commander, 5 Infantry Brigade, Onitsha 1974-74.[1]

After the coup of July 29, 1975 by Brigadier Murtala Mohammed, he was made Military Governor of Bendel State, since split into Edo State and Delta State. Soon after taking control, he dissolved the executive council and the boards of statutory corporations, suspended all contract awards, and set up committees to review finances and projects undertaken by his predecessor Samuel Ogbemudia. Several serving officers were retired from service.[2]

On February 13, 1976, Murtala Mohammed was killed in a coup attempt and replaced by his Chief of Staff Lt-Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo. In March, Obasanjo reassigned Colonel Innih to Kwara state, replacing him with Navy captain Hussaini Abdullahi. Innih served in Kwara State as Military Governor until 1978.[2]

He was Quarter Master General of the Nigerian Army (1978–79) and General Officer Commanding, I Infantry Division, Nigerian Army (1979–80), when he retired.[1]

Subsequent career

Innih became the President of Retired Officers of Nigerian Armed Forces Organization (RANAO). He was Chairman/Managing Director Niger Valley Agro Industries Limited, Chairman / Managing Director Tamsaks Nigeria Limited and Chairman Bridgestone Finance Limited. He was honored with the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR). The University of Ilorin awarded him an Honorary Doctor of Law in 1998.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c d Dr. Femi Ajayi (Monday, November 17, 2003). "IN MEMORY OF GEORGE AGBAZIKA INNIH AND ELIZABETH AINA DANIEL". NigeriaWorld. http://nigeriaworld.com/columnist/ajayi/111703.html. Retrieved 2009-11-28. 
  2. ^ a b c Osamede Osunde. "Major General Agbazika Innih". EdoWorld. http://www.edoworld.net/General_Innih.html. Retrieved 2009-11-28. 
Mid-Western State Leaders
Jereton Mariere  • David Ejoor  • Albert Okonkwo  • Samuel Ogbemudia  • George Agbazika Innih
Bendel State leaders
Governors of Nigerian States under General Murtala Muhammed (July 1975 - February 1976)
State Governors in Nigeria during the Olusegun Obasanjo military regime (13 February 1976 – 1 October 1979)